Marble ramp game

ABSTRACT

A marble jump game includes a base, a tube, a marble track, and a plurality of targets. The tube is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module having a receiving tube. The tube defines an axial direction, and is supported at least indirectly by and above the base. The marble track is affixed to the tube, and extends from a first end to a marble exit. The marble track is configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble channel and exits through the marble exit. Each target of the plurality of spaced-apart targets is with a game value. Each target has a fixed position relative to the others of the plurality spaced-apart targets.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to building toys, and more specifically, kits for designing and building marble run tracks.

BACKGROUND

Marble run toys known in the art have interconnecting track sections that may be arranged by a user in any of a plurality of designs. Once constructed, the track can define a downhill track through the various sections or modules. The interchangeable nature of the various module designs allow for the construction of many different marble run layouts.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary marble run layout 10 formed of a plurality of interconnecting modules 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F and 18. The modules may take many forms, such as modules 11A, 11B and 11C, which include tracks 12 defining channels that laterally direct a marble from a vertical receiving tube 14 to an exit tube 16. The tracks 12 may define circuitous routes, such as those modules 11B and 11C. Other modules are merely vertical tubes 18 that can be used as part of the track, or merely as vertical support structures for other modules. Still other modules 11D can include a track in the form of a wide platform 20 with spikes 22 to direct the ball in an unpredictable path from the vertical receiving tube and the exit tube. Other modules 11E can include a bowl structure. Other modules having additional or alternative features are known.

In popular marble run kits, the vertical receiving tube 14 of each module is generally designed to directly physically connect to an exit tube 16 of an upstream module, thus allowing the marble to transition from module to module. In FIG. 1, most of the receiving tubes 14 are disposed within part of the exit tube 16 of an upstream module, and are therefore not in view. Similarly, it will be appreciated that each vertical tube 18 includes a similarly constructed receiving tube 14, also not visible in FIG. 1. Each vertical tube 18 similarly contains an exit tube 16 directly below its receiving tube.

In additional, the modules may have other tubes or structures 28 disposed under the vertical receiving tube 14 that connect to other structures that support the module from below. For example, the module 11D includes a tube structure 28 that is coupled to and supported by a number of vertical tubes 18. Similarly, the modules may have a bypass tube 30 disposed vertically above the exit tube 16 that may provide support as well as an alternative marble input.

The modules 11A-11E are supported above one or more base modules or bases 34. The bases 34 includes a rimmed platform 34 a and a base tube 34 b. The base tube 34 b has a vertical receiving tube, not shown, but which has the same structure as the receiving tube 14 and thus is configured to engage and removably couple to the exit tubes 16 and other tube structures 28 of other modules. In typical play, at least some of the modules 11A-11E are supported from below at different vertical heights by different numbers of vertical tubes 18 coupled to the bases 34. The bases 34 may suitably have an exit opening 34 c such that any marble receive in the base tube 34 b exits onto the platform 34 a through the exit opening 34 c. In typical play, the platform 34 a of one of the bases 34 is the final destination of the marble in the layout 10.

Like many construction toys, the marble run kits currently available allow for creative play by enabling the user to construct the marble run (or multiple runs) in a multitude of configurations. The activity of building marble runs is largely noncompetitive, and can be easily carried out in a solo play or cooperative play environment. While noncompetitive nature of building marble runs is one of its advantages, competitive games are also a great source of entertainment.

It would therefore be advantageous to use the structural features of marble run kits to play a game that involves the use of marble run modules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least some embodiments of the invention provide the above-stated advantages by providing a game in which one or more marbles are placed on a marble run ramp module that can be aimed to direct marbles through the air toward a set of targets, wherein the targets have point values.

A first embodiment is a marble jump game that includes a base, a tube, a marble track, and a plurality of targets. The tube is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module having a receiving tube. The tube defines an axial direction, and is supported at least indirectly by and above the base. The marble track is affixed to the tube, and extends from a first end to a marble exit. The marble track is configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble channel and exits through the marble exit. Each target of the plurality of spaced-apart targets is with a game value. Each target has a fixed position relative to the others of the plurality spaced-apart targets.

A second embodiment is a marble run ramp module that includes a marble track and a tube. The tube is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module. The tube defines an axial direction. The marble track is affixed to the tube, and extends from a first end to a marble exit. The marble track is configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble track and exits through the marble exit such that the marble travels through the air at a vertical height equal to or exceeding a first vertical height of the exit marble exit for at least two inches with respect to a horizontal direction extending away from the first end and the marble exit.

Another embodiment is a related method of playing a game using a marble run module and a plurality of targets.

The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a plurality of standard marble run modules assembled into a marble run;

FIG. 2 shows a marble jump game according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the marble ramp module of the marble jump game of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a shows a representative side plan view of the marble ramp module of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4b shows a representative side plan view of an exemplary alternative marble ramp module that may be used in the marble jump game of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4c shows a representative side plan view of another exemplary alternative marble ramp module that may be used in the marble jump game of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4d shows a representative side plan view of yet another exemplary alternative marble ramp module that may be used in the marble jump game of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the target assembly of the marble jump game of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 shows a representative diagram of a first embodiment of a marble jump game 100. The game 100 a tube 102, track 104, a base 106, and a target assembly 107 having a plurality of spaced apart targets 108. The tube 102 and the marble channel 104 in this embodiment are formed as a single piece marble ramp module 103, formed of rigid, injection molded plastic. The tube 102 is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding marble receiving tube of a standard marble run module. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the tube 102 has a similar interface as the structure 28 below the vertical receiving tub 14 of the module 11A. The tube 102 defines an axial direction A, and is supported at least indirectly and above the base 106.

In this embodiment, the tube 102 is supported on the base 106 via a plurality of spacer tubes 110. The spacer tubes 110 may suitably be those known in the art, such as those having the structure described above in connection the vertical tubes 18 of FIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated that the spacer tubes 110 may have other constructions or sizes, so long as they interconnect with the tube 102 and the base 106. The base 106 includes a platform 106 a and a base tube 106 b, and may suitably have the same construction as the base 34 of FIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated that the base 106 need not include a base exit similar to the base exit 34 c of the base 34 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a different perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the marble ramp module 103 of FIG. 2. With reference both FIGS. 2 and 3, the marble track 104 is affixed to the tube 102 and extends from a first end 112 to a marble exit 114. The marble channel 104 is configured such that when the axial direction A is vertically oriented (normal use), a marble placed onto the marble track 104 proximate the first end 112 traverses the marble track and exits through the marble exit 114 such that the marble travels through the air at a vertical height equal to or exceeding a first vertical height h₁ of the marble exit 114 for at least two inches with respect to a horizontal direction B. The horizontal direction B extends normal to the axial direction A and generally from the first end 112 to (and past) the marble exit 114, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The direction B is the exit direction of the marble 50 with respect to a horizontal plane on which the base 106 sits when the axial direction A is vertically oriented, as in normal operation.

To this end, the marble track 104 comprises a downward sloped portion 118 and a launch portion 120. Both the downward sloped portion 118 and launch portion 120 have a U-shaped cross section that forms a channel or race in which a standard play marble (e.g. marble 50 of FIG. 2) may roll. The downward sloped portion 118 extends generally at a first average slope with respect to the horizontal direction B. In particular, FIG. 4a shows a schematic side view of the track 104 of FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 4a , the first average slope sf is negative with respect the first horizontal or exit direction B, and the launch portion 120 has a second average slope ss that is different, and preferably non-negative, with respect to the exit direction B. The negative first average slope sf allows a marble rolling down the track 104 to develop sufficient velocity to be launched into the air. The different second average slope ss of the launch portion 120 allows the marble rolling with velocity to be launched at least slightly upward and away from the marble track 104 through marble exit 114.

In this embodiment, the most or all of the downward sloping portion 118 has a substantially constant slope of between −0.5 to −1.2 for at least 20 centimeters. The launch portion 120 includes a slight curve at the transition from the bottom of the downward sloping portion 118 to the upward trajectory at the marble exit 114. While the downward sloping portion 118 has a substantially constant slope, it will be appreciated that the downward sloping portion in other embodiments could have varying slopes, albeit with the first average slope still falling in the range of −0.5 to −1.2. Such average slopes balance the competing requirements of acceleration and control.

For example, FIGS. 4b-4d show schematic diagrams of the side profiles of alternative embodiments of the marble track 104. FIG. 4b shows a side profile of an alternative track 104 a having a downward sloping portion 118 a a launch portion 120 a similar to those of FIG. 4a , but further including an intermediate portion 119 a that is more or less level at the lower-most portion of the track 104 a. The downward sloping portion 118 a has a first average slope sfa which is measured from the first end 112 a to the intermediate portion 119 a. FIG. 4c shows a side profile of another alternative track 104 b in which the downward sloping portion 118 b and launch portion 120 b form a more or less continuous curve. The first average slope sfb of the downward sloping portion 118 b is the average slope from the first end 112 b to the lowermost portion of the track 104 b. FIG. 4d shows a side provide of another alternative track 104 c wherein the downward sloping portion 118 c has a generally varying slope having an overall average slope sfc. In all cases, the averages of slopes sfa, sfb, and sfc are preferably between −0.5 and −1.2.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the marble ramp module 103 further includes, at the first end, a vertical receiving tube 122 and a connecting tube 124. The vertical receiving tube 122 (not visible in FIG. 2, but see FIG. 3) is configured to directly physically connect to an exit tube of an upstream marble run module, such as the exit tube 16 of any of modules 11A, 11B, 11C or 11D. By way of additional reference, the vertical receiving tube 122 is preferably sized to friction fit with the tube 102, even though they cannot be physically connected. The vertical receiving tube 122 may suitably have the same structure as the vertical receiving tube of any of the modules 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D. The vertical receiving tube 122 is further configured to receive a marble from a connected upstream module and release the marble onto the downward sloped portion 118 of the marble track 104. The connecting tube 124 is configured to releasably couple to a vertical receiving tube of another module or element, for example, any of the spacer tubes 110, if support under the first end 112 of the marble track 104 is desired.

The inclusion of the vertical receiving tube 122 and the connecting tube 124 allow the marble ramp module 103 to be easily integrated into a more complex marble run such as, for example, a marble run formed with many of the elements of FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, however, the marble ramp module 103 is configured in a substantially standalone game configuration. In standalone configuration, the vertical receiving tube 122 is operably coupled to (i.e. disposed within) an upstream open bottom cup or funnel 126. The funnel 126 is wider at the top to facilitate placement of marbles therein, and has a narrower open bottom that fits over the vertical receiving tube 122 (see FIG. 3) and allows the marble passes to pass into the vertical receiving tube 122.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the plurality of spaced-apart targets 108 of the target assembly 107 represent targets for marbles being launched from the marble ramp module 103. The spaced-apart targets 108 have a predefined positional relationship with respect to each other in this embodiment for consistency and ease of use. To this end, the targets 108 of the target assembly 107 of FIG. 3 comprise holes formed in a raised platform 128. However, other methods of providing a set of targets for marbles, for example, a set of cups that are coupled or seated in a fixed position, may be used. Each target 108 is associated with a game value, with the goal of the game being to engage one or more targets to achieve the value associated with the targets. The game value may be a number of points, or a color, or some other form of game value.

The target assembly 107 includes the platform 128 and a box structure 130 in which the platform 128 may be removably disposed. The box structure 130 has side walls 132, 134, a front wall 136 and a rear wall 138. FIG. 5 shows the target assembly 107 of the present embodiment in further detail. The platform 128 is removably disposed within the walls 132, 134, 136 and 138 such that it is raised, but also such that the walls 132, 134, 136 and 138 extend upward from the platform 128 to form a physical boundary to prevent marbles landing on the platform 128 from rolling off (other than through the targets 108). The rear wall 138 preferably has a higher height (or includes a separate insert of a higher height) that can act as a back board for marbles launched toward the box 130. The platform 128 is raised such that marbles engaging any of the targets 108 successfully will fall through to the space under the platform 128 within the walls 132, 134, 136 and 138. Moreover, the platform 128 can be seated within the box assembly 130 with a slight inclination from the front wall 136 to the rear wall 138, so that marbles tend to roll down toward the front wall 136. The inclination helps create finality to any “turn” or attempt within the game play, because any marble that hits the platform 128 will eventually either engage one of the targets 108, or rest against the front wall 136. FIG. 5 shows three marbles 50 resting against the front wall 136.

In the example of FIG. 5, the platform 128 contains ten targets 108 in the form of nine circular holes 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, and 156 and one rectangular hole 158. Each of the targets 108 is associated with a point value. The platform contains indicia (i.e. indicia 140 a, 142 a, 144 a, 158 a) proximate to a corresponding hole (e.g. respective holes 140, 142, 144 and 158) indicating the point value associated with the target. In this embodiment, the game value associated with any particular target 108 is correlated to the difficulty in engaging that target, which corresponds to target size and possibly target location. For example, the hole 140 has a smaller diameter, and hence a higher point value (e.g. 1500 points), than the hole 142 (e.g. 1000 points).

To increase the strategy involved in the game, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the large rectangular hole 158 has in this embodiment a negative point value of −500, as indicated by the indicia 158 a. The large rectangular hole 158 is located on the lower side of the platform, or in other words, closer to the front wall than most of the other targets 108. Because the rectangular hole 158 is relatively large and located near where the marbles gather, it represents a danger of losing points for shots that are either not far enough to reach, or which otherwise miss, the holes 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 152 and 156 which are located between the rectangular hole 158 and the back wall 138.

A method of playing a game using the marble jump game 100 includes one or more players trying to acquire game values associated with the targets 108 by engaging the targets with marbles. In the example of FIG. 5 where the targets 108 are associated with a numerical point value, the players can compete by trying to obtain the highest accumulated point value over multiple turns (i.e. marble launches). In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 5, a marble engages a target 108 when it falls through the target's hole.

To play the game, the plurality of targets 108 is positioned, preferably on a flat surface such as a floor or table top. In this embodiment, positioning the plurality of targets 108 comprises positioning the target assembly 107, which can include placing the platform 128 in a raised position in the box structure 130 and placing the box structure 130 in a desired location. As discussed above, each target 108 associated with a corresponding value in the game. In this embodiment, different targets 108 can have different values, but two or more targets can have the same value.

The marble ramp module 103 is likewise positioned. In this embodiment, the marble ramp module 103 is preferably vertically positioned above the level of the targets 108 by using an appropriate amount of spacer tubes 110 between the base 106 and the tube 102, and/or by otherwise elevating the marble ramp module 103. The marble ramp 103 is horizontally positioned (i.e. aimed) by each player such that the exit direction B corresponds to the position of at least one of the targets 108.

More specifically, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the marble ramp module 103 is disposed (via tube 102) on a plurality of vertical tubes 110, which in turn are supported on the base 106, such that the vertical height h₁ of marble exit 114 is a few inches higher than the front wall 136 of the box 130. The player preferably aims the marble ramp module 103 such that the exit direction B is directed toward at least one of the targets, either directly or via banking off one of the walls 132, 134 or 138. The horizontal component of the marble track 104 defines a relatively straight path, thereby facilitating aiming by the player. It will be appreciated that aiming may alternatively carried out by moving the target assembly 107 instead of, or in addition to, the ramp module 103.

Once the relative positioning of the module 103 and the targets 108 is set, the player makes an attempt to hit one or more targets 108 by disposing a marble on the marble track 104 such that marble rolls on the marble track 104 and through the marble exit 114. After passing through the marble exit 114, the marble travels through the air toward at least one of the plurality of targets 108. FIG. 2 shows the marble 50 in the air traveling toward the plurality of targets 108 in the target assembly 107.

In the exemplary game set up of FIG. 2, the player disposed the marble on the marble track 104 by placing the marble in the top of the funnel 126. The marble falls through the funnel 126 and into the vertical receiving tube 122, and then onto the downward sloped portion 118 of the marble track 104. The marble rolls down the downward sloped portion 118 and gains momentum such that it enters the launch portion 120 with sufficient velocity launches into the air from the marble exit 114 in the exit direction B (horizontal component) and slightly upward (vertical component). The force of gravity pulls the marble 50 back down towards the vertical level of the platform 128.

If the marble engages one of the targets 108, then the game value associated with the engaged target would be assigned to the player. For example, if marble 50 enters the hole 142 of FIG. 5, then the 1000 points would be assigned to the player. Thus, the game can involve an accumulation of points from successful attempts to engage the targets. In one variant, the winner is the player with the highest score over a predetermined number of attempts. In another variant, the winner is the first player to reach a predetermined winning score. Other methods of determining a winner may be applied.

In another example, each target 108 could be assigned a symbol, such as a playing card value, and each player might try to obtain the best poker hand by trying to hit different targets 108. The marble jump game 100 can thus be adapted to different rule sets in which a player (or team) is assigned a value corresponding to a target 108 hit by the launched marble 50.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the launch portion 120 may not have an upward slope, but may simply have a different average slope than the downward sloped portion 118. In other embodiments, the targets 108 may take other forms, such as those based on contact, like a bell or electronic actuator or light switch. Clearly, the number of targets 108 can be modified for different variants of the game.

As noted above, the inclusion of the vertical receiving tube 122 at the first end 112 of the marble track 104 allows for the possibility of building an elaborate marble run from commercially available pieces to feed into the receiving tube 122. Indeed, some gameplay could involve multiple marble track modules 103. It will further be appreciated that the game play involving the targets and scoring may be carried out with marble run modules of other types that have an aimable marble exit.

It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations and modifications that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of playing a game, comprising: a) positioning a plurality of targets, each target associated with a corresponding value in the game; b) positioning a marble run module having a marble track having a marble exit and defining an exit direction, such that the exit direction corresponds to a position of at least a first target of the plurality of targets; c) disposing, by a first player, a marble in the marble channel such that marble rolls through the marble channel and marble exit, and travels through the air toward at least one of the plurality of targets; and d) assigning the value associated with the at least one of the plurality of targets if the marble engages the at least one of the plurality of targets.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of targets includes a plurality of holes in a platform, and wherein step d) further comprises assigning the value associated with the at least one of the plurality of targets if the marble engages the at least one of the plurality of targets by passing through a first hole defining the at least one of the plurality of targets.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the platform includes indicia proximate each of the plurality of holes, each of the indicia representative of the value in the game associated with a proximate one of the plurality of holes.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the value in the game is a numerical point value, and wherein each of the plurality of holes is associated with one of a plurality of numerical point values.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein step a) further comprises positioning the platform such that the platform is disposed against at least one wall extending above a vertical level of the platform.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the value in the game is a numerical point value, and wherein each of the plurality of targets is associated with one of a plurality of numerical point values.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a first target is larger than a second target, and the second target has a second numerical point value that is greater than a first numerical point value associated with the first target.
 8. A marble run ramp module, comprising: a tube configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a marble receiving tube of a marble run module having a receiving tube, the tube defining an axial direction; a marble track affixed to the tube that extends from a first end to a marble exit, the marble track configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble track and exits through the marble exit such that the marble travels through the air at a vertical height equal to or exceeding a first vertical height of the exit marble exit for at least two inches with respect to a horizontal direction extending away from the first end and the marble exit.
 9. The marble run ramp module of claim 8, wherein the marble track further comprises a downward sloped portion and a launch portion, wherein the downward sloped portion extends generally at a first average slope with respect to the horizontal direction, and wherein at least a part of the launch portion extends from the downward sloped portion at a second average slope with respect to the horizontal direction.
 10. The marble run ramp module of claim 9, wherein the downward sloped portion includes a substantially constant sloped portion having a length of at least twenty centimeters.
 11. The marble run ramp module of claim 9, wherein the second average slope is positive with respect to the first horizontal direction.
 12. The marble run ramp of claim 9, wherein the tube extends below the downward sloped portion such that the axial direction extends through the marble track.
 13. The marble run ramp module of claim 8, further comprising a vertical receiving tube configured to engage an exit tube of a different marble run module.
 14. The marble run ramp module of claim 8, wherein the tube extends below the marble channel such that the axial direction extends through the marble channel.
 15. A marble jump game, comprising: a base; a tube configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module having a receiving tube, the tube defining an axial direction, the tube supported at least indirectly by and above the base; a marble track affixed to the tube and extending from a first end to a marble exit, the marble track configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed proximate in the marble channel proximate the first end traverses the marble track and exits through the marble exit; a plurality of spaced-apart targets, each target associated with a game value, each target having a fixed position relative to the others of the plurality spaced-apart targets.
 16. The marble jump game of claim 15, further comprising a platform having a plurality of holes therethrough defining the plurality of spaced-apart targets.
 17. The marble jump game of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of walls extending upward from at least a portion of the perimeter of the platform.
 18. The marble jump game of claim 16, wherein the platform includes indicia proximate each of the plurality of holes, each of the indicia representative of the value in the game associated with a proximate one of the plurality of holes.
 19. The marble jump game of claim 15, further comprising at least one spacer tube configured to be coupled between the base and the tube.
 20. The marble jump game of claim 15, wherein the marble channel further comprises a downward sloped portion and a launch portion, wherein the downward sloped portion extends generally at a first average slope with respect to a horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and wherein at least a part of the launch portion extends from the downward sloped portion at a second average slope with respect to the horizontal direction. 